Ranya Rao's big 'confession': 'Dubai, Europe, America' - What she told DRI

Ranya Rao is the stepdaughter of senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao.

Kannada actor Ranya Rao confessed to the crime a few days after being arrested at Bengaluru Airport in connection with a gold smuggling case. She told the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) that she had visited Dubai as well as Europe, America, and the Middle East.

In her first formal statement to the DRI, which news channel India TV obtained, Ranya Rao claimed to have visited Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and the Middle East in addition to Europe and America.

Ranya has also admitted that authorities recovered 17 gold bars from her possession. In the statement recorded during questioning, Ranya Rao said, "I accept that 17 pieces of gold bars were recovered from my possession. I would request you to keep the proceedings as private as possible".

Ranya even asserted that she is tired and needs some rest. “I wish to state that I am tired at present as I did not get enough rest,” she said, as quoted by India Today.

Ranya Rao said that she is ready to fully cooperate with the DRI in the ongoing investigation. She also clarified that she faced no coercion and that her testimony was given voluntarily.

"I have nothing more to state. I once again reiterate that I will co-operate in the ongoing investigation, and I shall appear before you as and when called for. During the recording of this statement no religious sentiments were hurt. I have been offered food and beverages from time to time, but I chose not to eat as I am not hungry and was drinking water. This statement of mine is given voluntarily without any force, threat, coercion or inducement and in my normal state of mind. The contents of this statement are read over, and the contents are as deposed by me," the actor told DRI.